East Bengal FC (EBFC) will lock horns with FC Goa (FCG) in the first game of Matchday 4 of Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, September 21. The EBFC vs FCG ISL 2023-24 match will start at 5:30 PM IST.
Under manager Carles Cuadrat, East Bengal will look to bounce back after going down to Bengaluru FC 1-2 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in their previous ISL fixture.
Earlier, the Red and Gold brigade started their ISL 2023-24 campaign with a goalless draw against Jamshedpur FC, before beating Hyderabad FC 2-1 to register their first win of the season.
With four points from three matches, East Bengal are currently placed seventh in the ISL 2023-24 standings.
On the other hand, FC Goa have made an impressive start to their ISL campaign.
Led by their newly-appointed head coach Manolo Márquez, FC Goa will head into the game after defeating Odisha FC 3-2 in their last game.
The Gaurs earlier began their season with a 1-0 win over Punjab FC at the Fatorda Stadium.
Having registered back-to-back wins, FC Goa are placed third in the standings with six points from two games.
East Bengal FC vs FC Goa head-to-head
FC Goa have a superior head-to-head record against East Bengal in ISL history. FCG have won three of the six matches that they have played so far. EBFC have registered just a solitary victory, while two matches have ended in draws.
The last time these two sides met, FC Goa registered a 4-2 win over East Bengal at the Fatorda Stadium in the ISL last season in January.
EBFC vs FCG Dream11 fantasy football prediction for ISL 2023-24
Going by their past head-to-head record and recent form, FC Goa will start as favourites against East Bengal on Saturday.
East Bengal FC vs FC Goa fantasy football team tips for ISL 2023-24
Top tip: Best forward
FC Goa forward Noah Sadaoui has impressed in the ongoing ISL so far. The 30-year-old Moroccan footballer netted a brace to help his side beat Odisha FC in their last match. Sadaoui also scored nine goals and provided as many assists last season. He will look to continue his good form against East Bengal in Bhubaneswar.
Top tip: Best midfielder
FC Goa’s Carl McHugh will be a player to watch out for in the midfield. The experienced footballer has already played a pivotal role in guiding FC Goa to consecutive victories in ISL 10. The former Mohun Bagan star will be a great fantasy pick for this clash.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Among the defenders, FC Goa’s Odei Onaindia will be the player to watch out for. The 33-year-old has been one of the standout defenders in the ISL in the last few seasons. Onaindia has helped registere 21 clean sheets in the 43 ISL matches that he has played so far. He will be crucial for FC Goa against a formidable East Bengal forward line.
For the goalkeeper spot, East Bengal’s Prabhsukhan Singh Gill will be the overwhelming choice over Arshdeep Singh of FC Goa. Gill has already recorded 12 clean sheets and made 94 saves in 43 ISL matches. He will need to bring his A-game if East Bengal are to keep another clean sheet on Saturday.
EBFC vs FCG playing XI (probable)
East Bengal FC: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (goalkeeper); Nishu Kumar, Lalchungnunga, José Antonio Pardo, Mandar Rao Desai; Naorem Mahesh Singh, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Saúl Crespo, Borja Herrera, Nanda Kumar; Cleiton Silva
FC Goa: Arshdeep Singh (goalkeeper); Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta; Raynier Fernandes, Carl McHugh; Udanta Singh Kumam, Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui; Carlos Martinez
Photo credit: Alamy
